The Rooftop Revolution: Pura Padel's Blueprint for a Blended LA Vibe

We sat down with Alessandro Bennett, CEO of Pura Padel, to understand the genius behind the 'Rooftop Revolution,' how his background prepared him for the American padel gold rush, and what the "Pura Difference" truly is in a city where new clubs are popping up faster than a winning drop shot.

Bennett’s answers reveal a sharp understanding of the American player, the value of community, and a strategic plan to build a sustainable, national brand—not just a flash in the pan.

Primetime Padel: Your flagship is on a rooftop in a major LA mall—a truly disruptive, high-visibility spot. Was that calculated risk to disrupt the market, or was it simply the only way to secure premium space in a city like Los Angeles?

Alessandro Bennett: The rooftop concept was actually my partner's idea, thinking completely outside the box to secure a well-located space that met the key metrics for a successful padel club. LA real estate is brutal. Good locations are expensive and rare. The rooftop solution allowed us to position ourselves in a prime area while maintaining operational efficiency and visibility. It also created a unique atmosphere that truly embodies the lifestyle side of the sport: open air, beautiful views, and an energy that sets Pura apart.

Primetime Padel: Pura Padel explicitly merges padel play with fitness and recovery amenities (cold plunges, social lounge). For the padel purists, why is this lifestyle integration so crucial to Pura’s model?

Alessandro Bennett: Padel is more than just a sport; it has a huge social aspect that happens after the play. We focus heavily on that with the events, tournaments, and parties we host. In LA, people don’t just come to play—they come to connect, meet others, and be part of a community. That confirms the lifestyle around padel is just as important as the game itself. The blended sports club is absolutely the future.

Primetime Padel: LA is seeing a padel boom. How does Pura Padel differentiate itself in this rapidly growing, competitive urban market? What is the Pura Difference?

Alessandro Bennett: I see all the clubs in LA as a collective effort to raise awareness and create new players. We all share the same goal, even if we have different styles or locations. At Pura, we focus on staying consistent with the quality of our events and the overall experience we offer. We also put a lot of effort into our programs for players who want to improve, especially through our pro Diego and the coaching team.

Primetime Padel: Your research started with an LA pop-up. What lessons did that pop-up teach you about the American padel player that will shape the design and experience of your permanent clubs?

Alessandro Bennett: The pop-up helped us see that people view padel as more of a social and lifestyle activity than just a sport. We learned that players value flexibility, they love the community aspect, and they enjoy staying around before and after playing. It also showed us that good service, music, and atmosphere make a big difference. Those lessons helped us shape our permanent clubs, where we focus just as much on the full experience as on the courts themselves.

Primetime Padel: You’re on a mission to make padel a “meaningful part of everyday American life.” What is the single biggest misconception or barrier holding padel back from achieving mainstream status in the U.S.?

Alessandro Bennett: The biggest challenge is still awareness. Many people see it online but haven’t had a chance to try it or understand what makes it different from tennis or pickleball. Access is also a big part of it, as there aren't enough quality clubs yet. And, of course, the zoning and permitting challenges that slow things down. I believe once people become more familiar with the sport and it becomes part of the local lifestyle, it will grow naturally, just as it did in Europe and Latin America.

Primetime Padel: Fast-forward five years: Pura Padel has successfully executed its national expansion. What specific, tangible impact on the U.S. padel scene will you be most proud of having achieved?

Alessandro Bennett: In five years, I’d be proud if Pura became the reference for what a true padel experience should feel like. A place where the quality, energy, and vibe stay the same no matter the city. I’d also be proud of helping the sport grow by bringing in new players and creating programs that support young talent. Most of all, that we managed to expand while keeping the same atmosphere and values that made our first club special.